On Collective Grief: Caring for Our Emotions in the Wake of the U.S. Election
Collective grief is a term used to describe the reaction of a group of people who undergo a significant loss or extreme change together. This can include experiencing any tragedy that affects a community or nation. We can feel this type of grief following a natural disaster, an act of mass violence, a hate crime, a pandemic, an act of war, or any event that threatens the safety and stability of our community.
Grief is a natural response to all kinds of loss - changing relationships, losing a job, moving to a new city, experiencing decreased physical or mental functioning, confronting our own mortality, or becoming disillusioned about the state of the world. We can also grieve the loss of a vision or expectation for the future.
Holding Sacred Space: What to Do When Someone Comes Out to You
You might already be aware that LGBTQIA+ Pride is celebrated in June, with festivals, parades, memorials, and marches held all over the world throughout the month. You might be wondering how you can best support LGBTQIA+ people, not just in June but all the time? While there are many ways to be a supporter and an ally, one of the most important is to be prepared to respond compassionately to someone who comes out to you. Here are a few keys to remember when you enter this sacred conversation.
Ready to Travel Again? How to Cope with Culture Shock
If you've ever traveled outside of your hometown, you probably are familiar with the highs and lows of experiencing a culture different from your own. Traveling (even to another state or city) can be exciting, challenging, and full of learning opportunities. It also can be scary, frustrating, and overwhelming. In this season when more of us may be traveling, and students will be heading out to and returning from study abroad experiences, let’s consider what happens when our travel involves culture shock.